Listen to story here
Former Managing Director of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Hadiza Bala-Usman, who is currently Special Adviser on Policy Coordination to the President, will deliver the keynote address at the 2026 Maritime Annual Maritime Lecture (MAMAL), organised by the Maritime Reporters’ Association of Nigeria (MARAN).
The 4th edition of the association’s flagship lecture is scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at the Nigerian Air Force Event Centre, No. 1 Kofo Abayomi Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The lecture, themed “Nigerian Ports Modernisation, Charges and the Competitiveness Question,” is expected to bring together policymakers, regulators, port operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, academics, industry associations, journalists and other stakeholders to examine issues shaping the competitiveness of Nigeria’s maritime sector.
Captain Warredi Enisouh, Executive Director, Technical, TANTITA Security Services Limited, will chair the event, while the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, will serve as Special Guest of Honour.
Speaking on the significance of the theme, MARAN President, Yinka Onigbinde, said the lecture would provide a platform for stakeholders to critically examine the modernisation of Nigerian ports and its implications for trade, investment and economic growth.
According to him, efficient port infrastructure is essential to improving cargo handling, reducing vessel and cargo dwell times, lowering logistics costs and positioning Nigeria as a competitive maritime hub in West Africa.
Onigbinde also said the lecture would examine port charges and other cost-related issues that continue to influence the competitiveness of Nigerian ports.
“Modern and efficient ports are critical to the growth of our economy. Beyond infrastructure, we must also examine the cost of doing business at our ports and how this affects trade and investment,” he said.
He described Bala-Usman as a highly experienced voice in Nigeria’s maritime industry, noting that her experience in port administration would bring valuable perspectives to discussions on port modernisation and competitiveness.
The MARAN President also commended Captain Enisouh for accepting to chair the programme, saying his experience in maritime security and industry development would enrich the deliberations.
He noted that the participation of the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy further demonstrates the strategic importance of the lecture as Nigeria intensifies efforts to reposition the maritime sector and maximise the economic opportunities associated with its ports and blue economy..
MARAN has invited government officials, maritime regulators, port operators, shipping companies, freight forwarders, port users, academics, industry associations and the media to participate in the event.
